Vietnam Visa For Australian Citizens: Visa Process and Costs

18 Nov 2022

13 min read

If you're looking for some information on the Vietnam visas for Australians, you're in luck. This post covers just about everything you need to know to get a Vietnam visa from Australia.

This post covers the Vietnam visa cost, required documents, processing time, the application process, and much more.

Let's jump right in!

Do Australians Need A Visa For Vietnam?

Yes, you do. If you're an Australian citizen, you must apply for a Visa for Vietnam before traveling. Fortunately, Australians are eligible for a Vietnam e visa.

I'll discuss the eVisa further in this post.

Apply For Your Visa To Vietnam Without Hassle!

If you're looking for a hassle-free way to apply for your visa for as an Australian citizen, use Atlys! This app has got you covered. Atlys guides you through the application process and has free tools you can use to quicken the process.

These tools include the passport photo tool, flight itinerary tool, and the hotel itinerary tool.

Vietnam online visa application process GIF for Australian citizens on the Atlys app

Everything You Need To Know About The Vietnam Visa

Before you apply for a visa, you need to know a few things. These things include:

What Is The Vietnam Tourist Visa, And Why Do I Need One?

It's a visa you must apply for from outside Vietnam to enter the country. The Vietnam Tourist visa or eVisa is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.

The reason why you need a visa before traveling to Vietnam is pretty straightforward. You need it to enter Australia.

Can Australian Citizens Apply For A Vietnam Visa On Arrival?

Yes, you can. If you're an Australian passport holder, you can apply for a Vietnam Visa On Arrival

"What is a Visa On Arrival?" you might ask.

Well, a Visa On Arrival is Exactly as the name suggests. It's a visa you can apply for at the Vietnamese airport.

Even though you can apply for a Visa On Arrival, the e-visa application process is much faster and easier.

Can Australian Citizens Apply For A Vietnam Visa Online?

Yes, you can. If you're an Australian passport holder you can apply for the Vietnam e-Visa. This visa is valid for at least 30 days. The e-visa is an electronic visa you can apply for online.

I'll discuss the application process later in this post.

What Are The Types Of Visas For Vietnam?

There are different types of Vietnam visas Australia citizens can apply for. You need to make sure that the visa you apply for suits your purpose of travel. If you apply for the wrong visa, officials will deny your visa.

The different types of visas are:

Vietnam Tourist Visa: The tourist visa is issued to those traveling to Vietnam for tourism only, not for doing business in Vietnam. You can apply for this visa online or get it on arrival at the airport.
Vietnam Business Visa: There are two sub-categories under the Business Visa. First is the DN1 visa, issued to travelers who work with other businesses and organizations with legal status in accordance with the laws of Vietnam. The second one is the DN2 visa to be granted to foreigners who come to Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence or perform other activities under international treaties of which Vietnam is a member.
Vietnam Student Visa: You can apply for this visa if you attend a university course in Vietnam. Normally this visa type is arranged after arrival in Vietnam. However, you can enter Vietnam with a tourist visa and then apply for a change in visa status at the Immigration Office after enrolling in the course. The easiest way to get this visa for Vietnam is to have an agency do it for you.
Vietnam Work Visa: Vietnam working visa is issued to foreigners who come to work in Vietnam, like teaching, etc.

What Is The Difference Between A Single-Entry Visa And A Multiple-Entry Visa?

A single-entry visa is a visa that allows you to enter and exit the country only once. However, a multiple-entry visa is a visa that allows you to enter and exit the country more than once during the visa validity period.

How Long Can I Stay In Vietnam With A Valid Visa?

The validity of your visa depends on the type of visa you apply for. For example, the Tourist Visa or eVisa is valid for 30 days and is a single entry visa.

What Is The Vietnam Visa Cost?

The visa fee for the Vietnam Tourist Visa for Australia citizens is USD 25 (approximately AUD 40). You can pay this fee online before you submit your visa application.

What Is The Processing Time For A Vietnam Visa?

The processing time is between 3-5 business days. This doesn't include weekends or public holidays. Keep in mind that certain things can prolong the processing time, like, if you applied during peak travel season, if there is an overload of visa applications, or if you applied over the weekend or during a public holiday.

train driving through the street during daytime

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens

There are certain Vietnamese visa requirements you must meet before you can apply for your visa. This also includes the required travel documents.

The Vietnam Visa requirements include.

What Are The Required Documents For The Vietnam Tourist Visa?

You need certain travel documents to apply for your Vietnam Tourist Visa. If you don't submit all them, it could prolong the processing time, or in extreme cases, officials can deny your visa.

You need the following documents:

A valid Australia passport.
Passport-size photograph.
Return flight ticket.
Proof of accommodation.

Make sure that these documents are in digital format since the visa application is online.

What Are The Photo Requirements For The Vietnam Visa?

You need to make sure that your Australia passport photo meets the requirements. The requirements are as follows:

The photo must be recent and taken within the last 6 months.
The photo must be in color.
The photo must capture your entire face, viewed directly with a bright, white background.
Hats or head scarves cannot be worn unless it's for religious purposes.
In some exceptional cases, consistent items like prescription glasses, hearing aids, wigs, or similar items are still acceptable.

You can also use the free passport photo tool that Atlys provides. This tool takes any photo of you and turns it into a passport photo that meets the requirements.

What Are The Vietnam Visa Passport Requirements?

Just like with the passport photo, your passport must also meet a requirement. If your passport doesn't meet the requirement, officials will deny your visa.

You need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 30 days after your visa expiry date.

Vietnam Visa Application Process For Australian Citizens

Finally, we get to the application process. This section of the post has everything you need to know about applying for your Visa for Vietnam.

Where Can I Apply For The Vietnam Tourist Visa?

There are 4 places you can apply for your Vietnam Tourist Visa:

Through Atlys.
Through the online portal.
Through the Vietnamese Embassy.
On arrival at the Vietnam International Airport.

What Is The Fastest Way To Get A Vietnam Visa From Australia?

The fastest way to apply and get your visa for Vietnam is through Atlys. Atlys streamlines the application process and guides you through everything.

This is what you can expect from Atlys:

Straight-forward application process - this can be done in minutes!
Support with gathering your documents - Atlys helps you gather all the required documents.
Step-by-step instructions - Atlys will be there every step of the way!

How To Apply For The Vietnam Tourist Visa Online

The online application process is fairly straightforward. If you follow this step-by-step guide, you'll apply for your visa in no time.

Step 1: Access Vietnam's official e-visa website

First, you must access the National Web Portal on Immigration. Then, on the right side of the page, click on the block that says "For Foreigners."

This will take you to another page with a full-text description where you'll also see the visa fee. After you've read everything, confirm that you read the description and click next.

Step 2: Complete the online application form

Next, you must upload the required documents (passport and passport photo) and complete the application form.

You'll need to provide details like your name, surname, nationality, passport number, email, phone number, entry date, exit date, etc.

After you've completed the application form, you can click "Review application form."

Step 3: Review your application and pay the visa fee

Next, you must review your application. This is to make sure that everything is correct and that you provided all the necessary documents and information. Then, you need to pay the visa fee.

You can pay the fee with your card through the online portal.

Step 4: Submit your application

Lastly, you must submit your visa application. Once your visa is processed, you'll receive it via email. You must then print a copy of the eVisa to show to immigration officers at the airport.

How To Apply For The Vietnam Visa On Arrival

The application process is fairly straightforward. This application takes place online.

To streamline the VOA process, you must complete your visa application online before your trip.

To apply for a Vietnam VOA online, you must complete the following steps:

First, submit an online visa application form. Receive a Visa Approval Letter from the Vietnam Government. Get a Vietnam visa stamp upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s several international airports (Ha Noi/ Da Nang/ Ho Chi Minh city/ Nha Trang).

Please note that for the time being, you can't apply for a Vietnam Visa On Arrival. However, you can always try through visa agencies.

Vietnam visa on arrival online application

What To Expect When Arriving In Vietnam?

You need to ensure you have your passport, visa, and return flight ticket. You'll need to show these documents to the Immigration officer in order to enter Vietnam. If you don't have your visa or passport with you, you'll be denied entry.

If you apply for the Visa On Arrival, you need to have your approval letter, passport and return flight ticket. Then, you'll have to stand in a queue in order to get your visa which might take a long time, depending on how many people there are.

Additional Information About The Vietnam Tourist Visa

You now know everything you need to apply for your visa. However, there are little things you need to know about that are also important. Things like:

Vietnam Visa Rules While In Vietnam

There are two visa rules you must remember. The two rules are:

You can't work in Vietnam with a Tourist Visa (eVisa).
Don't overstay your visa.

Can I Extend My Vietnam Tourist Visa?

Yes, you can. You can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Management Department in the cities/provinces where you are. For example, in the three biggest cities of Vietnam, these are the specific address:

Extend your visa in Hanoi: 44 – 46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Extend your visa in Danang: 78 Le Loi Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District Da Nang.
Extend your visa in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City): 333 – 335 – 337 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

How Can I Extend My Vietnam Tourist Visa?

The first thing you must do is prepare the documents:

Declaration form for issuance, supplement, visa amendment, and extension of temporary residence (form NA5).
Passport or valuable papers of international travel of foreigners

Then, you must submit the document directly to the Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security office.

Lastly, receive the results. You must show the receipt to the officer; if you received your visa extension, you must pay the fee, and then you can continue to explore Vietnam.

What Happens If I Overstay My Vietnam Visa?

If you overstay your visa, you'll receive a fine. Depending on how long you overstay your visa, you might get banned from entering Vietnam again and Vietnamese authorities can then deport you.

Can I Work In Vietnam With My Tourist Visa?

No, you can't. With a Tourist visa, your main purpose of travel should be for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends or family. If you wish to work while in Vietnam, you must apply for the appropriate visa (Work Visa).

What Does A Vietnam E-Visa Look Like?

The Vietnam e-visa looks something like this:

That's It!

Now you have everything you need to apply for your Visa for Vietnam for Australians. If you have any other questions feel free to check out the FAQ section.

Written By: Laliq Schuman

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does The Vietnam Evisa Take To Process?

Your evisa application will be reviewed by the Vietnam Immigration Department and then issued to you on the web portal. The time it takes to process your visa will be up to 3 business days.

Which Countries Have Visa Exemption For Vietnam?

Below-mentioned countries have visa exemptions and can visit Vietnam without a visa for the following number of days:

90 days: Chile and Panama
30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand
21 days: Philippines
15 days: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.
14 days: Brunei

From Which Ports Can I Enter And Exit Vietnam With The Evisa?

There are currently 33 international ports of entry, including international airports, land ports, and seaports in Vietnam, that you can use to enter or exit the country. You can check this list of checkpoints.

Which Countries Can Get An E-Visa For Vietnam?

You can find the Vietnamese government's list of countries approved for an E-visa. If you're from one of the countries on this list you can visit Vietnam with an e-visa.

VietnamFirst-Time Travelers

Turkey Visa For Australian Citizens

This post covers everything you need to know about the Turkey visa for Australian citizens. This post covers the costs, processing times, required documents, and the application process.

How To Get An Evisa To India From Australia

This blog discusses how to get an evisa to India from Australia. As well as the India visa costs, processing time, and application process.